Tampa Bay spoils Scorpions party 2-0

3 years ago

San Antonio, which had to play on a high school football stadium the past two seasons complete with artificial turf and all the yard-line markings, christened its soccer-specific facility Saturday night against the Rowdies.

Tampa Bay ruined the festivities, though. New acquisitions Amani Walker and Georgi Hristov scored as the Rowdies picked up their first win of the year 2-0.

"We were determined to come here and, without being disrespectful, spoil the party," said Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill.

Walker's goal came off a Luke Mulholland corner kick in the 12th minute. As San Antonio pressed early in the second half Hristov was tackled in the penalty box on the counterattack and converted the free kick in the 55th.

Then it was Andrew Fontein taking over in goal.

Next up is a home game against Atlanta on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Rowdies have four points through two games putting them tied for first with Edmonton.

The Scorpions were last year's top seed in the playoffs and in one game in Texas humiliated Tampa Bay with eight goals.

Again the Rowdies were without top forward Mike Ambersley and big man Carl Cort, though both are expected to return soon.